Sphenoid sinus anatomical variants and pathologies: pictorial essay.

The sphenoid sinus (SS) is one of the four paired paranasal sinuses (PNSs) within the sphenoid bone body. Isolated pathologies of sphenoid sinus are uncommon. The patient may have various presentations like headache, nasal discharge, post nasal drip, or non-specific symptoms. Although rare, potential complications of sphenoidal sinusitis can range from mucocele to skull base or cavernous sinus involvement, or cranial neuropathy. Primary tumors are rare and adjoining tumors secondarily invading the sphenoid sinus is seen. Multidetector computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the primary imaging modalities used to diagnose various forms of sphenoid sinus lesions and complications. We have compiled anatomic variants and various pathologies affecting sphenoid sinus lesions in this article.

[Methods of surgical treatment for isolated lesions of the sphenoid sinus]. / Metody khirurgicheskogo lecheniya pri izolirovannom porazhenii klinovidnoi pazukhi.

This article presents an analytical review of scientific publications on the topic of surgical treatment of isolated lesions of the sphenoid sinus. The publications, research data presented in the RSCI database, PubMed in the period 1985-2021 are analyzed. The selection of the material was carried out according to the keywords: sphenoid sinus, isolated sphenoiditis, phenotypes of sphenoiditis, endoscopic sphenotomy, relapses of sphenoiditis, sphenoid sinus, isolated sphenoiditis, phenotypes of sphenoiditis.

Can Volumetric and Morphological Variants of Sphenoid Sinuses Influence Sinuses Opacification?

Improvements in computed tomography and in functional endoscopic sinus surgery have recently increased interest toward paranasal sinus anatomy and anatomic variations that can be observed in patients affected by sinusitis. Isolated sphenoid sinusitis is a relatively rare pathology, often related to nonspecific symptoms, therefore making diagnosis difficult. The correlation between this type of sinusitis and anatomical variants remains unclear.The authors' aim was to retrospectively revise paranasal sinuses computed tomography scans of patients affected by sphenoid sinusitis, compared with a control group, analyzing the types of sphenoid sinus and the presence of aberrant pneumatization, and performing a segmentation of the sphenoid sinuses to calculate the volumes.Sphenoid sinuses of 60 patients affected by sinus opacification, compared with a control group, were segmented. Type of sinus (sellar, presellar, postsellar) and presence of aberrant pneumatization were assessed as well. Possible statistically significant differences in volumes according to sex and group were assessed through 2-way ANOVA test (P < 0.05). Post-hoc test was assessed through Student t test. χ test was applied in order to verify the statistically significance of differences in frequency of different types of sinus pneumatization variants (P < 0.05).Average volume of sphenoid sinuses in males was of 7.672 cm and of 7.751 cm in females within the group of patients; statistically significant differences in volume were found according to sex (P: 0.342), but not between the patients and control group (P: 0.0929). Post-hoc test verified that males affected by sinus opacification showed smaller volumes in comparison with the control males (P < 0.05). In addition, patients by affected sinus opacification showed more frequently the postsellar type and were less affected by pneumatization variants of the sphenoid bone than the control group (P < 0.05).This study first suggests the possible protective role of variants of pneumatization in the development of sphenoid sinus opacification.

Fungal Mycotic Aneurysm of the Internal Carotid Artery Associated with Sphenoid Sinusitis in an Immunocompromised Patient: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

In immunocompromised patients, invasive molds such as Aspergillus and Mucor can lead to locally aggressive angioinvasive infections that are often life-threatening. A particularly devastating complication is the development of a fungal mycotic aneurysm resulting from invasion of the arterial wall. Due to anatomic contiguity, the sphenoid sinus provides potential access for these fungi, which often colonize the respiratory sinuses, into the cavernous sinus and internal carotid artery (ICA), thus leading to the formation of ICA aneurysms. The ideal treatment of fungal ICA aneurysms includes a combination of surgical debridement and long-term effective antifungal therapy, but the role of endoscopic resection and the duration of antimicrobials are poorly defined. Here, we present the case of a 71-year-old immunocompromised patient who developed an ICA mycotic aneurysm, associated with a proven invasive fungal infection (presumptively Mucorales) of the sphenoid sinuses, as defined by EORTC/MSG criteria, and who survived after undergoing coil embolization with parent vessel sacrifice of the aneurysm in combination with liposomal amphotericin B. We also review the literature for published cases of invasive fungal sphenoid sinusitis associated with mycotic aneurysms of the ICA and provide a comparative analysis .

Sphenoid sinus fungus ball by filaments of actinomycetes and Aspergillus fumigatus.

We present a case of sphenoid sinus fungus ball caused by Aspergillus fumigatus associated with actinomycosis. This case represents the first known reported infection caused by this rare association.

[A case of acute intracranial epidural hematoma caused by chronic nasal sinusitis].

Non-traumatic intracranial acute epidural hematoma(EDH)is rare. It is mostly caused by coagulation disorders, dural metastasis, or vascular malformations of the dura. We report a case of non-traumatic acute EDH caused by chronic nasal sinusitis and review the literature comprising 10 cases of acute EDH caused by chronic nasal sinusitis. A 16-year-old boy visited our outpatient clinic with a 2-day history of severe headache. He did not have fever or neurological abnormalities and showed no evidence of head trauma. Cranial computed tomography(CT)revealed sphenoid sinusitis and a small amount of epidural air in the middle fossa, but no other intracranial abnormalities. After eight days with no subsequent history of trauma, radiological exams showed a massive acute epidural hematoma in the left middle fossa and temporal convexity without any vascular lesion or skull fracture. The patient underwent a hematoma evacuation that revealed neither a skull fracture nor a vascular abnormality. In this adolescent, chronic nasal sinusitis caused fragility of the meningeal artery wall, an air collection in the epidural space, and the detachment of the dura mater from the inner surface of the skull, thereby resulting in a non-traumatic acute EDH.

Sphenoid sinus dehiscence as a risk for visual consequences in an immunocompromised patient.

Isolated sphenoid sinus disease is a rare entity with severe and potentially life threatening sequela. Because of the proximity of the sinus to the orbit, anatomical defects within the surrounding bony structures can facilitate communication with orbital content, predisposing the patient to substantial visual consequences. We report a case of a 51-year-old immunocompromised male who presented with headache and gradual unilateral decreases in vision. Computed tomography revealed opacification of the left sphenoid sinus accompanied by unusual bony dehiscence of the proximal optic canal. Early recognition and treatment of sphenoid sinusitis requires urgent surgical intervention with delay of treatment potentially leading to irreversible blindness or other devastating consequences. Bony dehiscence of the sphenoid sinus overlying the optic nerve has only been found in 4% of cadavers. It is associated with increased risk of orbital complications and predicts a poor prognosis. Immediate intervention is particularly important in immunocompromised individuals who are at greater risk of these severe complications.

[A case of cavernous sinus aspergillosis].

We reported a case of cavernous sinus aspergillosis. A 62-year-old man complained of trigeminal neuralgia in the right V1 region. Neurological examination on admission showed ptosis, loss of light reflex and ophthalmoplegia externa in the right side. MRI enhanced with gadolinium demonstrated sphenoid sinusitis and mass lesion in the right cavernous sinus. MRA revealed right internal carotid artery occlusion. An open biopsy using the extradural temporopolar approach was performed. Pus discharge was observed from the cavernous sinus and histological examination showed hypha of Aspergillus. With early voriconazole treatment, the patient had improvement in headache, ptosis and ophthalmoplegia externa. Cavernous sinus aspergillosis is often found after sphenoiditis. It results in invasion to an internal carotid artery and worsens the patient's prognosis by cerebral infarction, so early diagnosis and treatment are important. We should consider aspergillosis as one of the differential diagnoses of a mass in the cavernous sinus. The epidural approach to this lesion was available to obviate aspergillus dissemination into the medullary cavity.

Alternating orbital symptoms in cavernous sinus syndrome due to isolated sphenoid sinusitis.

A 40-year-old male with left-sided headaches, ptosis, proptosis and extra-ocular muscle paralysis developed right-sided headaches, proptosis, chemosis, diplopia, extra-ocular muscle paralysis and trigeminal sensory loss. An enhancing left orbital, intrasellar and parasellar cavernous nodule on magnetic resonance imaging progressed into a right cavernous sinus and orbital apex soft tissue mass. Cavernous sinus syndrome from sphenoid sinusitis resolved after endoscopic transnasal sphenoidotomy. This diagnostic complexity and its treatment options are discussed according to current literature.

Infectious aneurysm of the intracavernous carotid artery occurring concomitantly with sphenoid sinusitis; an autopsy case report.

A previously healthy 56-year-old woman presented with right-sided ophthalmic pain and diplopia following headache and fever. A neurological examination revealed 3rd and 6th right cranial nerve palsies. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 3D-computed tomography (CT) angiography (CTA) showed right-sided sphenoid sinusitis, cavernous sinus thrombophlebitis, and aneurysms in the right intracavernous carotid artery and in a portion of internal carotid-posterior communicating artery. We diagnosed her condition as cavernous sinus syndrome with an infectious aneurysm secondary to sphenoiditis; therefore, broad spectrum antibiotics were administered. However, 7 days after admission, she died of massive epistaxis. Macroscopically, coagulated blood was observed at the surface of the sphenoid sinus, suggesting bleeding in the cavernous sinus. A histopathological examination revealed severe infiltration of the inflammatory cells into the cavernous sinus and sphenoid mucosa. Rupture of the aneurysm in the cavernous sinus was also observed. However, no pathogenic organism was identified. We thought that the sphenoid sinusitis had spread through the venous flow into the cavernous, and the infectious aneurysm developed due to infiltration of inflammatory cells into the arterial wall. This is the first detailed clinico-pathological study of an infectious aneurysm in the intracavernous internal carotid artery occurring concomitantly with sphenoiditis.

Sphenoid sinus aspergillosis simulating pituitary tumor in immunocompetent patient.

Aspergillosis of the sphenoid sinus is rare in immunocompetent patients. It may be mistaken for a sellar region tumor. A 65-year-old, human immunodeficiency virus-negative man presented with a 3-week history of cranial nerve III paresis and visual deterioration. The patient had a long-term history of tobacco snuff abuse. CT scans and MRI demonstrated a space-occupying lesion of the sellar and sphenoid sinus region. Presumptive diagnosis of pituitary macroadenoma was made and the patient was operated on via a transnasal-transsphenoidal approach. After the sphenoid sinus was opened, a yellow-brownish gluey material with crumbly debris extruded and was aspirated. The dura was intact. Histopathology revealed numerous Aspergillus hyphae without tissue invasion. Postoperatively, the cranial nerve III paresis resolved in a few days and visual acuity improved. Sphenoid sinus aspergillosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of sellar region processes, even in immunocompetent patients. Early diagnosis and transsphenoidal removal provides good results without the need for systemic antifungal therapy in non-invasive aspergillosis.

Invasive Aspergillus terreus sinusitis with orbitocranial extension: case report.

BACKGROUND: Aspergillosis of the paranasal sinuses is infrequent and usually involves the species Aspergillus fumigatus and A. flavus. The maxillary sinus is the most common sinus to be affected. Invasive cranio-orbital aspergillosis originating in the sphenoid sinus is rare and mostly occurs in immunocompromised patients with poor outcomes. We present a case of invasive A. terreus sphenoidal sinusitis with intraorbital and intracranial extension in an immunocompetent patient. CASE DESCRIPTION: This 62-year-old man presented with a 2-month history of left retroorbital pain followed by rapid decreasing vision and 2 episodes of epistaxis. Ophthalmologic examination revealed no light perception left. Computed tomographic scan and MR images demonstrated an enhanced sphenoid lesion within the left sphenoid sinus with bone destruction and intraorbital and cavernous sinus extensions. A malignant tumor was suspected. The patient underwent a transphenoidal biopsy of the sphenoid mass. Histologic analysis revealed numerous Aspergillus hyphea, and the species A. terreus was isolated from fungal cultures of specimens. No systemic fungal infection was found, and the patient had no evidence of immunosuppression. After 3 months' administration of oral voriconazole, the patient became well, and the orbitocranial mass regressed in size. It was stabilized on the ninth postoperative month. CONCLUSION: A. terreus sinusitis with orbitocranial extension had never been reported in the literature. Even in an immunocompetent host, ISOA is difficult to eradicate using surgical debridement combined with optimal antifungal agents because of the intracranial extension and the relative resistance of conventional antifungal therapy. Early diagnosis is important to prevent an unfavorable outcome of this emergent infection.

Chronic sphenoid sinusitis revisited: comparison of multidetector axial sections, multiplanar reconstructions, and virtual sinoscopy with endoscopic sinus surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the role of multidetector computed tomography (CT) and CT virtual sinoscopy in the evaluation of chronic sphenoid sinusitis and to compare the imaging findings with functional endoscopic sinus surgery. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Tertiary care teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Thirty patients with chronic sphenoid sinusitis referred for preoperative CT. INTERVENTIONS: Thin-section helical axial CT was performed using a multidetector CT scanner with multiplanar reformation (MPR) and volume-rendered or virtual sinoscopy images. Sixty sinuses were divided into quadrants for analysis. Extrasinus extension was labeled as the "fifth quadrant." MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Imaging findings were compared with those of functional endoscopic sinus surgery, and accuracy of the imaging modality was determined. RESULTS: Multidetector CT (axial CT and MPR) was found to be 100% sensitive, specific, and accurate in the evaluation of extent of sinusitis, status of the sinus septum, integrity of the optic nerve canal in relation to the sinus, and type of sinus pneumatization. Axial CT and MPR images showed sensitivity of 98% and specificity of 92% compared with functional endoscopic sinus surgery in evaluating the ostia. Regarding carotid canal integrity, axial CT and MPRs were 100% sensitive and 98% specific. Virtual sinoscopy showed sensitivity and specificity of 67% and 92%, respectively, for the 22 ostia that could be visualized and evaluated using this modality. CONCLUSIONS: Axial multidetector CT with secondary MPRs provide the necessary preoperative information regarding extent of disease and sphenoid sinus anatomy. Virtual sinoscopy is a navigational aid, an adjunct to endoscopy, and an educational tool for surgeons-in-training.

Endoscopic transnasal sphenoidotomy with or without ethmoidectomy.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated endoscopic transnasal sphenoidotomy (ETNS) with or without ethmoidectomy in patients with inflammatory sphenoid sinus disease (ISSD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted in 42 patients (17 males, 25 females; mean age 41 years; range 17 to 67 years) who underwent ETNS with (n=37) or without (n=5) ethmoidectomy for ISSD. The disase was staged according to our staging system based on computed tomography findings. RESULTS: Postnasal drainage was the most common symptom (n=37, 88.1%). Chronic rhinosinusitis was accompanied by sinonasal polyps in 25 patients (59.5%). Five patients (11.9%) had isolated sphenoid disease and 16 patients (38.1%) had unilateral disease. Five patients (11.9%) had stage 1, 15 patients (35.7%) had stage 2, and 22 patients (52.4%) had stage 3 disease. Surgery involved 68 sides. Ethmoidectomy was used in 63 sides of 37 patients, eight of whom required a supplementary procedure. At least one complication was seen in eight patients (19%), including severe perioperative hemorrhage (n=2), early postoperative hemorrhage (n=2), minor injuries to the lamina papyracea (n=4), and synechiae (n=5). CONCLUSION: In patients with isolated ISSD, the direct approach to the sphenoid sinus by ETNS without ethmoidectomy is a favorable technique, whereas ETNS with ethmoidectomy is necessary for patients with concurrent disease in other paranasal sinuses.

Acute isolated sphenoid sinusitis in children.

OBJECTIVE: Acute infection of the sphenoid sinus usually affects both pre-adolescent and adolescent subjects and is associated with infections of the other paranasal sinuses. Acute isolated sphenoiditis, though uncommon, is frequently misdiagnosed as symptoms are vague and there are few clinical findings. Indeed, it is not usually diagnosed until the patient develops neurological complications. The aim of this report is to discuss our cases of acute isolated sphenoiditis and compare them with those reported in the International literature. METHODS: We reviewed our 10-year records of paediatric patients affected by acute isolated sphenoid sinusitis, as confirmed by nasal endoscopy and/or CT scan, and compared them with paediatric cases of sphenoid sinusitis reported in literature. In particular, we focused on clinical findings, associated risk factors, diagnostic approach, and treatment. RESULTS: As previously stated at the Brussels Consensus Meeting, patients can be separated into two groups on the basis of clinical findings: the first including patients affected by severe acute sphenoiditis presenting fever and headache, and frequently associated with neurological symptoms, with swimming and diving as possible predisposing factors. The second group includes patients with non-severe acute sphenoiditis, mainly associated with headache, allergic rhinitis being a possible predisposing factor. CONCLUSIONS: Acute isolated sphenoid sinusitis appears to be difficult to diagnose, and there are few reports in peer-reviewed paediatric journals. We wish to alert paediatricians and ENT specialists of the importance of this rare but still potentially devastating disorder.

Cavernous sinus thrombosis secondary to aspergillus granuloma: A case report and review of the literature.

Cavernous sinus thrombosis is a rare but serious complication of sphenoid aspergillosis. The rarity of this pathology makes its diagnostic very difficult on a clinical, biological and radiological sense. The authors present a case of cavernous sinus thrombosis with ipsilateral internal carotid artery thrombosis secondary to a non-invasive sphenoid aspergillosis in an immunocompetent host, responsible of a cavernous syndrome associated to a Claude Bernard Horner syndrome. One year after surgery, the patient is still asymptomatic without recurrence. Diagnostic modalities are detailed and several management of this pathology are compared. Surgery is essential in a diagnostic and therapeutic sense. There is no evidence of the interest of adjuvant therapies such as antibiotic and anticoagulation. Concerning the antifungal treatment, the attitude towards a non-invasive sphenoid aspergillosis in an immunocompetent host is unclear.

Imaging of mucormycosis skull base osteomyelitis.

Skull base osteomyelitis (SBO) is typically bacterial in origin and caused by Pseudomonas, although the fungus Aspergillus has also rarely been implicated. SBO generally arises from ear infections and infrequently complicates sinonasal infection. Rhinocerebral Mucor infection is characteristically an acute, fulminant, and deadly infection also affecting the orbits and deep face and is associated with intracranial complications. Bony involvement is uncommon because of the angioinvasive nature of the fungus. More recently, chronic invasive Mucor sinusitis has been described. We report the unusual clinical and imaging features of a patient with biopsy-proven invasive mucormycosis arising from chronic isolated sphenoid sinus disease, who presented with extensive SBO and a paucity of deep facial, orbital, or intracranial involvement.

Cavernous sinus thrombophlebitis: case report.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Cavernous sinus thrombophlebitis is a rare, dangerous, and historically difficult condition to diagnose and treat. Knowledge of the imaging findings and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment are emphasized. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: We present a case of cavernous sinus thrombo-phlebitis caused by sphenoid sinusitis. Previously undescribed magnetic resonance imaging findings of cavernous sinus thrombophlebitis include enlargement of the cavernous sinus, abnormal enhancement and increased T2 signal of the petrous apex and clivus, and marked narrowing of the cavernous portion of the internal carotid artery. Resolution of cavernous sinus thrombophlebitis is also documented by magnetic resonance imaging. INTERVENTION: The anatomy of the cavernous sinus dictates the natural history and diagnosis of cavernous sinus thrombophlebitis. We review the literature regarding the clinical diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and treatment of cavernous sinus thrombophlebitis. CONCLUSION: We emphasize the importance of a high index of suspicion, the potentially rapid and fatal course of the disease process, and the subsequent need for antibiotic therapy and selective surgery.

A mucopyocele of the clivus: case report.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: There are increasing reports of nasal sinus mucopyoceles eroding the base of the cranium and causing the rapid onset of neurological complications. Uncommon presentations can mimic tumors, but the infectious nature mandates an urgent surgical decompression. It is important to document these uncommon presentations. CLINICIAL PRESENTATION: A mucopyocele of the clivus is reported in a patient with a frequent history of sinusitis. Diplopia caused by an acute sixth nerve palsy prompted the radiological diagnosis with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. INTERVENTION: Transsphenoidal drainage of the lesion lead to marked improvement in the patient. CONCLUSION: This is the third reported case of a clival mucocele. Mucoceles of nasal sinuses can erode intracranially, causing neurological sequalae, and clival involvement is extremely rare. Early drainage leads to marked improvement.